The Federal Government has approved the temporary use of the Lekki axis of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road for motorists following a truck accident in the area.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, made this known in a statement on Monday. He said the approval, granted by the Federal Ministry of Works, would remain in effect until traffic returns to normal.
“The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation wishes to inform motorists that due to a truck accident at Chisco area, Lekki, the Federal Ministry of Works has approved the opening of the Coastal Road for use pending when normalcy is restored. Motorists are implored to be patient while plying the area,” Osiyemi stated.
Earlier, officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority had averted a major fire disaster after a gas-laden tanker overturned along the main carriageway at Chisco, Lekki.
Preliminary findings showed that the truck, loaded with compressed natural gas cylinders, lost control and fell on its side, posing a serious risk to lives and property.
LASTMA personnel, supported by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lekki Concession Company, the Nigeria Police, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, swiftly secured the area and began recovery efforts.
The agency’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, praised the quick response and coordination of the emergency teams.
He said, “Our officers displayed remarkable professionalism in managing the situation. Their quick action prevented what could have been a tragedy.”
Traffic was temporarily diverted through the new coastal road via Bar Beach to maintain movement toward Victoria Island.
Bakare-Oki urged truck drivers to observe safety rules, especially when transporting flammable materials, and to ensure proper vehicle maintenance to avoid similar accidents.
